Comic Review: The Batman’s Grave #1

The Batman’s Grave #1

DC Comics

Writer: Warren Ellis

Artists: Bryan Hitch and Alex Sinclair

The Authority creative team of Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch reunite for The Batman’s Grave. The team is enough to justify the purchase, regardless of the title character or pitch. Which is good, because I don’t know if I could tell you what the pitch is for this one. It’s back to basics Batman, with emphasis on detective work in a relatively grounded world. Not exactly a new idea at this point, but like any story, it’s about the execution.

At this point, I don’t think I have to convince anyone of how great an artist Bryan Hitch is. He’s one of the most influential artists of the 2000s, and he hasn’t lost a bit of what he had. His pages are packed with detail. More importantly, they’re packed with important detail. His establishing shots are seamless and clear, while even the conceptually simplest sequences are full of thought and care. His “realistic” style of art meshes so well with Ellis’ writing. The style isn’t a match for every book, but a gritty Batman book with Warren Ellis and Alex Sinclair is absolutely the right place for it.

Of course, incorporating “realism” into superheroes will never be a total success. They’re silly and make no sense by nature and delving too deeply into “realistic” questions threatens to unravel the entire ordeal. This issue briefly presents questions we’ve all heard regarding Batman stories countless times. “Why doesn’t Batman kill people? Why does Batman beat up poor people instead of using his money to save the city?”

I could go on an on about why these questions are unnecessary, but that’s not really my issue with it in this context. My issue stems from the fact that this idea is not an original one. Not even close. These are questions that people have been asking for years and it’s just not fun to entertain anymore. On top of that, the fact that it comes from Alfred’s mouth only serves to make it feel more awkward and forced. To paraphrase Grant Morrison; no one pumps the Batmobile’s tires, you idiots!

Two pages of questionable Alfred characterization aside, Warren Ellis does a lot of good here. He presents a really unique and interesting take on the detective side of Batman. The idea of Bruce being incapable of “going inside the killer’s head” and instead can only see things from the victim’s perspective is really wonderful. The detective work that ensues from that perspective presents itself in a very compelling manner. While I don’t ultimately understand the cliffhanger that spins out of it, the mystery itself is ultimately well-done due to the approach.

The Batman’s Grave #1 doesn’t break a lot of new ground, but it’s still more than worth the read for the execution. Warren Ellis’ writing is restrained and tight, while Hitch and Sinclair’s art effectively builds dread and drives its ideas home. I don’t quite know what this book is yet, but I very much look forward to finding out.